Definition
A contusion is the consequence of a direct trauma that does not compromise the integrity of the tissues involved (otherwise, one speaks more properly of injury). This injury is caused by the violent compression of the soft parts of the body, exerted by a blunt instrument.
The damaging action of the trauma is variable, but mainly affects the blood and lymphatic vessels, causing a blood extravasation with pain accentuated by movements (both active and passive) and pressure on the part. Bruises occur more easily at the points where the bone is more superficial (eg knee) and the thickness of the soft tissues is less (for example, on the tibia or on the eyebrow arch).
On the basis of the extent of the traumatic event, moreover, the contusion can be associated with the formation of an ecchymosis (if the blood extravasation is modest and infiltrates neighboring tissues) or a hematoma (if the leakage of blood from small vessels and capillaries it is conspicuous and deeper) visible on the outside; to the touch, on the other hand, there is a fluctuating swelling and an increase in local heat.
In the event that the blunt action is intense and prolonged, such as to definitively compromise the vitality of the part, the bruise can involve tissue necrosis, or the loss of a layer of skin cells or some muscle bundles. In this case, the skin that overhangs the bruise appears first pale, then blackish (eschar), then, at the lesion, a sore can develop.
In many cases, the bruise has no serious consequences: often, it is sufficient to keep the affected part at rest and immediately apply an ice bag to reduce pain; on the contrary, you should not apply heat (eg hot water bottle), as it would cause an increase in blood extravasation (note: alternating hot / cold is possible after 3-5 days).
Eventually, it is possible to use some topical anti-inflammatory drug in gel or ointment (eg fastum gel) to reabsorb the hematoma and limit edema formation as much as possible.
On the other hand, in the event of extensive tissue portions being compromised, medical attention is required.
Possible Causes * of Contusion
- Compartmental syndrome
